LONDON, May 4 (Reuters) – Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform UK, has confirmed plans to significantly increase his visits to Scotland in the coming months, aiming to capitalise on his party’s success in England’s recent local elections. Reform UK gained over 600 seats and secured control of 10 local authorities, in addition to a victory in the Westminster by-election for Runcorn and Helsby.
Farage’s visits are part of the party’s broader strategy to gain momentum ahead of Scotland’s Holyrood elections in 2026, where Reform UK is forecast to perform strongly. The party’s leader aims to secure Reform’s first Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) and build on the surge in popularity the party has seen in recent polls.
Increased Scottish Presence
Thomas Kerr, a Reform councillor in Glasgow who defected from the Scottish Conservatives earlier this year, announced that Farage will be at the forefront of this push, aiming to connect with voters across Scotland in the run-up to the elections. Kerr emphasized that Farage is particularly eager to engage with Scots on the streets, promising a more direct and visible presence.
“You will certainly see Nigel Farage much more up here in Scotland,” Kerr said. “He’s looking forward to being on the streets and taking our message to people.”
Polling Surge and Political Significance
Reform UK’s rising support in Scotland has sent ripples through Holyrood’s political landscape. Recent polling suggests that Reform could be on track to secure MSPs in next year’s Holyrood elections, potentially taking votes from traditional powerhouses such as the Conservatives and Labour.
In the 2024 general election, Reform UK captured 7% of the vote in Scotland, but polling since then indicates an increasing share, especially in the wake of the party’s strong performance in local by-elections. In some areas, including Fraserburgh and parts of Glasgow, the party garnered as much as 24% of the vote. If this momentum continues, Reform UK’s average of 12% in local by-elections could be enough to secure seats at the Scottish Parliament.
A Tough By-Election Ahead
Farage’s upcoming visits coincide with the by-election for Hamilton, Larkhall, and Stonehouse on June 5, caused by the death of SNP MSP Christina McKelvie. While Reform UK faces an uphill battle, Kerr is confident that a third-place finish would represent significant progress for the party.
“It’s a tough gig for Reform,” Kerr acknowledged, “but we’re targeting third place and looking to build on the momentum.”
The by-election will be a crucial test for Reform UK, as they look to convert polling support into real votes. Farage’s presence in Scotland may also mark a turning point, with his popularity likely to play a significant role in shaping the party’s future prospects.
Party Leaders Respond to Growing Reform Support
While Reform UK makes headway, Scotland’s main political leaders are stepping up their responses to the party’s rise.
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has called on his party to move “further and faster” on key issues like improving people’s lives. Sarwar expressed frustration with the UK government’s approach, citing discontent over winter fuel payments and changes to disability benefits.
Meanwhile, Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay has voiced skepticism about Reform UK’s impact in Scotland, questioning whether the party truly supports the Union.
The growing influence of Reform UK has already prompted a summit on democratic values and social media misinformation, led by First Minister John Swinney. Some insiders view the summit as a response to Reform’s popularity, and it signals just how seriously the party is now being taken in Scottish politics.
Looking Ahead
As Nigel Farage intensifies his campaign across Scotland, all eyes will be on whether Reform UK can capitalize on its growing popularity and achieve the Holyrood breakthrough it is targeting. Farage’s presence on the ground, coupled with Reform’s strong election results in England, has created a fresh political dynamic in Scotland. Whether that results in real electoral success remains to be seen, but Reform UK’s surge in Scotland is undoubtedly reshaping the political landscape.
